Inflatable pollution containment rim system

ABSTRACT

Embodiments disclosed here include a buoyant filtration system and method including a buoyant inflatable segmented rim encircling a pollution source and attached to a submersible wall and floor. Some embodiments include the buoyant inflatable rim segments with an inflation/deflation valve, ballast attachment, a hose and pump to remove liquid.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority from and is a continuation ofU.S. Ser. No. 14/507,599 filed 6 Oct. 2014 which is a continuation ofand claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 14/014,141 which wasfiled on 29 Aug. 2013, which claims priority from and is related toInternational application no. PCT/US13/57163 filed on 28 Aug. 2013,which claims priority from U.S. Provisional applications 61/693,960filed 28 Aug. 2012; 61/713,515 filed 13 Oct. 2012; 61/736,537 filed 12Dec. 2012 and 61/748,073 filed 1 Jan. 2013, which are all herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to containment and/or filtration in fluidenvironments.

BACKGROUND

Previous ways of containing and cleaning fluids included using fences orother floating booms on the surface of the fluid.

SUMMARY

Certain example embodiments herein include a containment systemcomprising, a segmented inflatable buoyant rim surrounding a void,wherein the rim segments each include at least one of aninflation/deflation valve and ballast weight and material connected tothe rim segments, wherein the material is configured to hang below thebuoyant rim void and enclose the void from below. Also, systems whereinthe rim segments include a shield configured to project upwards,opposite of the hanging material. And systems wherein the enclosingmaterial wall and segmented inflatable buoyant rim both includes atleast one of a grommet, eye, hook, latch, and tie.

Certain example embodiments include systems wherein the material, havingan inside toward the void and an outside, includes at least one vent,configured to allow material to move between the inside and the outsideof the enclosing material. Still further systems include wherein thesegmented inflatable buoyant rim includes at least one tethered buoy,configured to guide raising and lowering of at least one segment of thesegmented inflatable buoyant rim. And wherein the rim is configured toallow attachment of at least two ribs, the ribs extending from oppositesides of the segmented inflatable buoyant rim and arching over thesystem, wherein the at least two ribs include material between them,forming an enclosure over the segmented inflatable buoyant rim and theinflatable buoyant rim void.

Example embodiments include systems wherein at least one buoyant rimsegment is configured to attach to a ballast weight pulley, wherein theballast weight is configured to weigh down and sink the at least onebuoyant rim segment. And systems wherein the shield is configured to beat least one of, inflatable, a brush, a set of flexible fingers and arigid wall. As well as systems wherein the enclosing material iscomposed of at least one of, flexible woven synthetic fibers, rigidwoven synthetic fibers, flexible plastic, rigid plastic, flexiblerubber, and rigid rubber. And certain embodiments include systemswherein the at least two ribs are configured to be inflatable anddeflatable. As well as systems wherein the material between the ribsincludes at least one vent, and wherein the enclosing material is madeof a material that is impermeable to water.

Certain example systems include wherein the tether is at least one of anelastic, a rope, and a chain. And systems wherein at least two of thesegments of the segmented inflatable buoyant rim are coupled by at leastone hinge. As well as embodiments wherein the segmented inflatablebuoyant rim inflation/deflation valves are configured to be operatedremotely via at least one of, air pressure, electric, and hydraulic.Certain example embodiments include systems including enclosing materialhas an inside and an outside, the inside including at least oneextraction tube anchored to it, the extraction tube configured to allowliquid from the inside of the enclosing material to be pumped out of theenclosing material. And example systems wherein the extraction tubesinclude at least one filtered vent to allow the liquid to pass but notsolid material. Some example embodiments include wherein the enclosingmaterial has an inside wall and an outside wall, including a void inbetween the inside and outside wall, wherein the inside wall of theenclosing material includes at least one extraction vent, configured toallow liquid inside the enclosing material to flow into the void. Aswell as examples wherein the extraction vents are configured to beopened and closed remotely. And further examples comprising a pump,removably connected to the rim and extraction tubes. Some exampleembodiments may include systems including a pump, removably connected tothe rim and double walled enclosing material. And wherein the extractiontubes are made of flexible material. As well as examples wherein theextraction vents include at least one filter. Further included areexamples wherein the shield is removably attached to the segmentedbuoyant rim segments, and wherein the ribs are removably attached to thesegmented buoyant rim segments, and wherein the ribs and material forman enclosure around the top of the rim segments, including at least oneaccess point, configured to be opened and closed.

Certain example embodiments include systems wherein the vents include afilter wherein the filter is at least one of a skimmer, mesh, micron,peat moss, straw, saw dust, feathers, carbon, clay, perlite, glass wool,vercumlite, plastic pad, plastic brush, plastic foam, polyurethanebrush, polyurethane foam, polyurethane pad, polyethane brush, polyethanefoam, polyethane pad, and polypropylene brush, polypropylene foam, andpolypropylene pad.

Some example embodiments include a containment system comprising, asegmented buoyant rim, configured to allow attachment of at least oneballast weight, a submersible wall connected to the segmented rim,wherein the submersible wall is configured to hang below the buoyantrim, and a submersible floor connected to the wall. Further examplesinclude systems wherein the buoyant rim is at least one of, bothinflatable and deflatable, and inherently buoyant. Some exampleembodiments include systems wherein at least one buoyant rim segment istethered to a buoyant float, wherein the buoyant float is configured toguide raising and lowering of the at least one buoyant rim segment. Andwherein the wall and floor are made of water impermeable material.Certain example embodiments include systems wherein at least one buoyantrim segment is configured to attach a ballast weight pulley, the ballastweight pulley configured to allow a tethered weight to be raised andlowered, wherein the ballast weight is configured to weigh down and sinkthe at least one buoyant rim segment.

Certain example systems embodiments include wherein the buoyant rim andsubmersible floor and wall form a an inside and outside of the system,and wherein the floor includes at least one vent, configured to open andclose, wherein the open vent is configured to allow liquid to flowbetween the inside and outside of the system, and the closed vent isconfigured to stop liquid from flowing between the inside and outside ofthe system.

Some example embodiments include systems wherein the vent includes afilter, also, systems wherein the wall includes at least two layers, thetwo layers separated by a void configured to allow liquid to pass.Certain example embodiments include systems wherein the wall isconfigured to connect to a pump, and the pump is configured to pumpliquid out of the void. Certain example embodiments include systemsfurther comprising at least one extraction tube, anchored to the floor,wherein the extraction tube includes at least one vent configured toallow liquid to be pumped out of the system. Also, wherein the ventincludes a filter and some wherein the buoyant rim includes a filter.

Some example embodiments include a containment system comprising, abuoyant rim surrounding a void, and a tarp configured to drape over thebuoyant rim and the void surrounded by the rim, wherein the tarp isconfigured to, attach to the buoyant rim, and contain particulatematter. Also, embodiments may include systems wherein the buoyant rim isinflatable. And, embodiments where the tarp is made of at least one of,a plastic sheet, woven synthetic mesh, and woven organic mesh. Exampleembodiments may also include systems wherein the tarp includes at leastone vent, and/or wherein the at least one vent includes a filter,wherein the filter is at least one of a skimmer, mesh, micron, peatmoss, straw, saw dust, feathers, carbon, clay, perlite, glass wool,vercumlite, plastic pad, plastic brush, plastic foam, polyurethanebrush, polyurethane foam, polyurethane pad, polyethane brush, polyethanefoam, polyethane pad, and polypropylene brush, polypropylene foam, andpolypropylene pad. Example embodiments may also include systems whereinthe buoyant rim includes at least one of a hollow plastic tube, a foamtube, a pipe, a wooden log, and a rubber tube.

Certain example embodiments include a buoyant filtration systemcomprising, a tubular buoyant rim attached to a submersible bag, thetubular buoyant rim having an outer surface, wherein the buoyant rimouter surface includes, a filter and at least one of a grommet, eye,hook, latch, and tie. Also, embodiments may include wherein the tubularbuoyant rim is at least one of, solid core buoyant plastic, inflatablehollow plastic, inflatable hollow rubber, and solid core closed cellfoam. Further, embodiments may include systems wherein the filter is atleast one of a skimmer, mesh, micron, peat moss, straw, saw dust,feathers, carbon, clay, perlite, glass wool, vercumlite, plastic,polyurethane, polyethane, and polypropylene. Systems may also includewherein the submersible bag is at least one of, a rigid impermeableplastic, a flexible impermeable plastic bag, and a flexible impermeablerubber bag.

Example embodiments may also include systems wherein the tubular buoyantrim includes a spout and the filter is included in the spout, andwherein the attached submersible bag is configured to detach from thetubular buoyant rim.

Certain example embodiments include a buoyant filtration systemcomprising, a buoyant rim encircling a void and attached to asubmersible bag, the buoyant rim having an outer surface, wherein thebuoyant rim outer surface includes, a filter, and at least one of, agrommet, eye, hook, latch, and tie, and a pump configured to pumpmaterial out of the void. Further, embodiments may include systemswherein the buoyant rim is at least one of, solid core buoyant plastic,inflatable hollow plastic, inflatable hollow rubber, and solid coreclosed cell foam. Also, embodiments may include systems wherein thefilter is at least one of a skimmer, mesh, micron, peat moss, straw, sawdust, feathers, carbon, clay, perlite, glass wool, vercumlite, plastic,polyurethane, polyethane, and polypropylene. And wherein the submersiblebag is at least one of, a rigid impermeable plastic, a flexibleimpermeable plastic bag, and a flexible impermeable rubber bag. Someembodiments include systems wherein the pump includes an inlet tube andis configured to, attach to the buoyant rim, also, wherein the attachedsubmersible bag is configured to detach from the tubular buoyant rim.

Some example embodiments include a method of containing pollutantscomprising, surrounding a void with a segmented inflatable buoyant rim,wherein the rim segments each include at least one of aninflation/deflation valve and ballast weight, and attaching a bag to therim segments, wherein the bag is configured to hang below the buoyantrim void.

Example embodiments may also include methods wherein the rim segmentsinclude a shield configured to project upwards, opposite of the hangingbag. Also methods wherein the bag wall and segmented inflatable buoyantrim both includes at least one of a grommet, eye, hook, latch, and tie.Some example embodiments include wherein the bag, having an insidetoward the void and an outside, includes at least one vent, configuredto allow material to move between the inside and the outside of the bag.And example methods wherein the segmented inflatable buoyant rimincludes at least one tethered buoy, configured to guide raising andlowering of at least one segment of the segmented inflatable buoyantrim.

Example methods may also further comprise, attaching at least two ribsto the rim, the ribs extending from opposite sides of the segmentedinflatable buoyant rim and arching over the system, wherein the at leasttwo ribs include material between them, forming an enclosure over thesegmented inflatable buoyant rim and the inflatable buoyant rim void.Also, methods further comprising, attaching at least one ballast weightpulley to at least one buoyant rim segment. Example methods may alsoinclude wherein the shield is configured to be at least one of,inflatable, a brush, a set of flexible fingers and a rigid wall, andmethods wherein the bag is composed of at least one of, flexible wovensynthetic fibers, rigid woven synthetic fibers, flexible plastic, rigidplastic, flexible rubber, and rigid rubber.

Some example embodiments may include methods wherein the at least tworibs are configured to be inflatable and deflatable. And methods whereinthe material between the ribs includes at least one vent. Someembodiments may include methods wherein the bag is made of a materialthat is impermeable to water. And methods wherein the tether is at leastone of an elastic, a rope, and a chain. Certain example embodimentmethods may further comprise, coupling via at least one hinge, twosegments of the segmented inflatable buoyant rim. Some example methodsfurther comprise, remotely operating the segmented inflatable buoyantrim inflation/deflation valves. Also methods wherein bag has an insideand an outside, the inside including at least one extraction tubeanchored to it, the extraction tube configured to allow liquid from theinside of the bag to be pumped out of the bag. Certain exampleembodiment methods include wherein the extraction tubes include at leastone filtered vent to allow the liquid to pass but not solid material.And methods wherein the bag has an inside wall and an outside wall,including a void in between the inside and outside wall, wherein theinside wall of the bag includes at least one extraction vent, configuredto allow liquid inside the bag to flow into the void. As well as methodsfurther comprising, remotely opening and closing the extraction vents.

Some example methods further comprise, removably connecting a pump tothe rim and extraction tubes. And methods further comprising, removablyconnecting a pump to the rim and double walled bag. Further, methodswherein the extraction tubes are made of flexible material. Some exampleembodiments include wherein the extraction vents include at least onefilter. Also, methods further comprising, removably attaching the shieldto the segmented buoyant rim segments. And further comprising, removablyattaching the ribs to the segmented buoyant rim segments. As well asmethods further comprising, enclosing an area above the rim segments,via the ribs and material, and opening and closing at least one accesspoint in the material. Further, examples may include wherein the ventincludes a filter and wherein the wherein the filter is at least one ofa skimmer, mesh, micron, peat moss, straw, saw dust, feathers, carbon,clay, perlite, glass wool, vercumlite, plastic pad, plastic brush,plastic foam, polyurethane brush, polyurethane foam, polyurethane pad,polyethane brush, polyethane foam, polyethane pad, and polypropylenebrush, polypropylene foam, and polypropylene pad. Also embodimentmethods wherein the wherein the filter is at least one of a skimmer,mesh, micron, peat moss, straw, saw dust, feathers, carbon, clay,perlite, glass wool, vercumlite, plastic pad, plastic brush, plasticfoam, polyurethane brush, polyurethane foam, polyurethane pad,polyethane brush, polyethane foam, polyethane pad, and polypropylenebrush, polypropylene foam, and polypropylene pad.

Some example embodiments include a containment method comprising,attaching at least one ballast weight to a segmented buoyant rim,connecting a submersible wall to the segmented rim, wherein thesubmersible wall is configured to hang below the buoyant rim, and asubmersible floor connected to the wall. Some example methods includewherein the buoyant rim is at least one of, both inflatable anddeflatable, and inherently buoyant. Certain example embodiment methodsfurther comprising, tethering at least one buoyant float to the at leastone buoyant rim segment, raising and lowering the at least one buoyantrim segment, guiding the raising and lowering of the at least one rimsegment with the buoyant float. Example methods may also include whereinthe wall and floor are made of water impermeable material.

Example method embodiments may further comprise, attaching a ballastweight pulley to the at least one buoyant rim segment, tethering aweight to the ballast weight pulley, and raising and lowering the atleast one buoyant rim segment via the ballast weight pulley. Also,examples may include methods further comprising, forming an enclosurewith an inside and an outside via the buoyant rim and submersible floorand wall, wherein the floor includes at least one vent, configured toopen and close, opening the at least one vent to allow liquid to flowbetween the inside and outside of the system, and closing the vent tostop liquid from flowing between the inside and outside of the system.

Certain example embodiments may include methods wherein the ventincludes a filter. Also, methods wherein the wall includes at least twolayers, the two layers separated by a void configured to allow liquid topass. Some example embodiments include methods further comprising,pumping liquid out of the void via a pump connected to the rim. Somemethods may further comprise, pumping material out of the system via atleast one extraction tube anchored to the floor, wherein the extractiontube includes at least one vent. Some example embodiments includemethods wherein the vent includes a filter and wherein the buoyant rimincludes a filter.

Some example embodiments may include a method of containing a pollutanttarget comprising, surrounding a void via a buoyant rim and draping atarp over the buoyant rim and the void surrounded by the rim, attachingthe tarp to the buoyant rim, and containing particulate matter withinthe draped tarp. Example methods may include wherein the buoyant rim isinflatable and wherein the tarp is made of at least one of, a plasticsheet, woven synthetic mesh, and woven organic mesh. Certain examplesmay include wherein the tarp includes at least one vent and wherein theat least one vent includes a filter and wherein the wherein the filteris at least one of a skimmer, mesh, micron, peat moss, straw, saw dust,feathers, carbon, clay, perlite, glass wool, vercumlite, plastic pad,plastic brush, plastic foam, polyurethane brush, polyurethane foam,polyurethane pad, polyethane brush, polyethane foam, polyethane pad, andpolypropylene brush, polypropylene foam, and polypropylene pad.

Examples may include methods wherein the buoyant rim includes at leastone of a hollow plastic tube, a foam tube, a pipe, a wooden log, and arubber tube. Examples may include methods of buoyant filtrationcomprising, attaching a tubular buoyant rim to a submersible bag, thetubular buoyant rim having an outer surface, wherein the buoyant rimouter surface includes, a filter, and at least one of a grommet, eye,hook, latch, and tie. Some examples may include methods wherein thetubular buoyant rim is at least one of, solid core buoyant plastic,inflatable hollow plastic, inflatable hollow rubber, and solid coreclosed cell foam. Certain example embodiments may include methodswherein the filter is at least one of a skimmer, mesh, micron, peatmoss, straw, saw dust, feathers, carbon, clay, perlite, glass wool,vercumlite, plastic, polyurethane, polyethane, and polypropylene. Also,examples wherein the submersible bag is at least one of, a rigidimpermeable plastic, a flexible impermeable plastic bag, and a flexibleimpermeable rubber bag. Certain methods examples may also includewherein the submersible bag is water permeable but oil impermeable. Alsomethods may further comprise, detaching and attaching the attachedsubmersible bag from the tubular buoyant rim.

Some example embodiments may include a method of buoyant filtrationcomprising, encircling a void via a buoyant rim, attaching the buoyantrim to a submersible bag, the buoyant rim having an outer surface,wherein the buoyant rim outer surface includes, a filter, and at leastone of, a grommet, eye, hook, latch, and tie, and pumping material outof the void via a pump.

Example methods may include wherein the buoyant rim is at least one of,solid core buoyant plastic, inflatable hollow plastic, inflatable hollowrubber, and solid core closed cell foam. Examples could include methodswherein the filter is at least one of a skimmer, mesh, micron, peatmoss, straw, saw dust, feathers, carbon, clay, perlite, glass wool,vercumlite, plastic, polyurethane, polyethane, and polypropylene. Also,methods wherein the submersible bag is at least one of, a rigidimpermeable plastic, a flexible impermeable plastic bag, and a flexibleimpermeable rubber bag. And methods wherein the pumping is via an inlettube attached to the buoyant rim. Further, examples may include methodsfurther comprising attaching and detaching the submersible bag from thetubular buoyant rim.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the technology described in this documentas well as any embodiments thereof, reference should be made to thedescription below, in conjunction with the following figures in whichlike reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout thefigures.

FIG. 1 is an example diagram of the containment systems consistent withcertain embodiments herein.

FIG. 2 is an example diagram showing example views of the rim of thesystem consistent with certain embodiments herein.

FIG. 3 is an example diagram showing a side view of a method ofcontaining a target for segregation consistent with certain embodimentsherein.

FIG. 4 is an example diagram showing a view of a method of containing atarget for segregation consistent with certain embodiments herein.

FIG. 5 is an example diagram showing a side view of an alternativemethod of containing a target for segregation consistent with certainembodiments herein.

FIG. 6 is an example diagram showing a view of the containment systemconsistent with certain embodiments herein.

FIG. 7 is an example diagram showing a view of the containment systemconsistent with certain embodiments herein.

FIG. 8 is an example cut-away diagram showing a side view of thecontainment system consistent with certain embodiments herein.

FIG. 9a is an example diagram showing a top down view of an off-boardpump/filter arrangement of the containment system consistent withcertain embodiments herein.

FIG. 9b is an example diagram showing a side view of an alternateoff-board pump/filter arrangement of the containment system consistentwith certain embodiments herein.

FIG. 9c is an example diagram showing a side view of an alternativeoff-board pump/filter arrangement of the containment system consistentwith certain embodiments herein.

FIG. 10a is an example diagram showing a top down view of an integratedpump/filter arrangement of the containment system consistent withcertain embodiments herein.

FIG. 10b is an example diagram showing a cut away side view of analternate integrated pump/filter arrangement of the containment systemconsistent with certain embodiments herein.

FIG. 11a is an example diagram of the system with a tethered buoyconsistent with certain embodiments herein.

FIG. 11b is another example diagram of the system with a tethered buoyconsistent with certain embodiments herein.

FIG. 11c is an example diagram showing a tethered buoyed systemconsistent with certain embodiments herein.

FIG. 11d is another example diagram showing a tethered buoyed systemconsistent with certain embodiments herein.

FIG. 12a is an example perspective diagram of a buoyant filtrationsystem with rim filter consistent with certain embodiments herein.

FIG. 12b is another example top down diagram of a buoyant filtrationsystem with rim filter consistent with certain embodiments herein.

FIG. 13a is an example perspective diagram of a buoyant filtrationsystem with spout filter consistent with certain embodiments herein.

FIG. 13b is another example top down diagram of a buoyant filtrationsystem with spout filter consistent with certain embodiments herein.

FIG. 14a is an example perspective diagram of a buoyant filtrationsystem with pumped filter consistent with certain embodiments herein.

FIG. 14b is another example top down diagram of a buoyant filtrationsystem with pumped filter consistent with certain embodiments herein.

FIG. 15 is an example diagram showing alternate uses consistent withcertain embodiments herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of whichare illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detaileddescription, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea sufficient understanding of the subject matter presented herein. Butit will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the subjectmatter may be practiced without these specific details. Moreover, theparticular embodiments described herein are provided by way of exampleand should not be used to limit the scope of the invention to theseparticular embodiments. In other instances, well-known data structures,timing protocols, software operations, procedures, and components havenot been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspectsof the embodiments of the invention.

Overview

Ships and vessels in a harbor are unfortunately not environmentallyfriendly. Many times, pollution such as fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid, andany number of potentially harmful items may be discarded from a vessel.Additionally, such vessels require maintenance that can producepollution as well. Cleaners, paint, heavy metals, and loose parts canall contribute to polluting a harbor. Such pollution could leak in anythree-dimensional direction, radiating from the source point, includingdown, floating on top, and carried away by wind or currents. Suchrepairs can also require a diver working in often harmful and dangerousconditions. Some aims of the certain embodiments of the systems andmethods disclosed here, include containment of water around a targetpolluter, such as a floating vessel. This containment can includesurface as well as subsurface disbursement of pollutants. Afterconfinement, such pollutants can be filtered out and the water may becleaned. In some instances, the cleaned water may be returned straightto the harbor water itself, or removed completely. The containmentsystems disclosed here may also be portable and can be moved and placedaround offending vessels in and around a harbor, or moved to any otherlocation where it is needed.

The containment systems and methods disclosed here can contain suchleaks with a submersible containment system that uses a buoyantair-chambered floating rim coupled with a submerged containment wallsand floor in certain embodiments. Such a system could be maneuvered intoplace using different methods, such as from directly below by completelydeflating the rim, or from the side, by deflating portions of the rimand dropping those portions and sliding into place. Once contained, thesystem could be used to contain and segregate the target and then filterthe contained contaminated water to prevent its spread. The system couldbe made in any number of shapes, sizes or dimensions in order toaccommodate various sized and shaped targets of pollution sources nearor above the water's surface.

Further, introducing water into the containment system can create spacewithin the containment system for vessel cleaning, maintenance and/orrepair work. In such an arrangement, divers would be able to work oncontained vessels within the segregated water in the system, resultingin containment of any pollutants generated from work on vessel, bothabove and below the waterline surface.

Additionally, certain embodiments allow for monitoring of the output ofthe target inside the containment system. For example, any kind ofmonitor inside the system could keep a running tally of oil output.Further, monitors could be placed in the filtration systems or pumpingsystems or hoses in order to track or count particulates, pollution,chemicals, etc.

And certain embodiments herein may be used as buoyant filtrationsystems, where the target to be contained is any kind of pollutantsource. Such sources could be filtered without surrounding a physicalobject such as a boat, but as a way to trap unwanted materials, andallowing other matter, such as water, to pass through.

It should be noted that the containment system could be used for anynumber of targets, such as ships, boats, watercraft of all sorts, aswell as other kinds of pollution or discharge sources on land, affixedto land or the bed of the water body. In this disclosure, the use of theterm “vessel” or target are not meant to be limiting and those of skillin the art would understand that they are meant to include all manner ofthings which the system could contain and segregate, no matter the shapesize or makeup.

Additionally, the disclosure includes discussions of “water” as thefluid in which the target floats and receives the contamination. It isto be understood that any kind of fluid is contemplated, although openbodies of water are used as the example herein.

Further, use of the word pollutants could include any kind of matter,whether considered a pollutant or not. It is to be understood that inthis description, a “pollutant” could be anything that is to be keptfrom the larger fluid body, and contained within the system.

Containment System

The containment systems disclosed here can be made up of two maincomponents, according to certain embodiments: a buoyant rim component,and a submerged walls and floor material. The materials that make upthese components could be any kind of material that segregates theundesired material from the outside of the containment system. Forexample, the containment system may be constructed of material that isimpermeable to the intended target pollutant. This could be any numberof materials as described below.

The shape of the containment system could be any shape, used to surroundthe target pollution source. This includes the buoyant rim sections thatcould be composed of one or more sections of air chambers which surroundthe vessel or pollution source intended to be contained. The buoyant rimsections could likewise be any number of shapes and sizes, depending onthe shape of the target. The examples depicted in the figures typicallyshow a rectangular shape, as viewed from the top of bottom, includingrounded corners.

In certain examples of the disclosed inventions, the containment systemuses an inflatable rim made buoyant by pumping air into the rim chambersthrough inflation valves. Air within these chambers creates buoyancyused to support the system. Thus, when inflated, the buoyancy of the aircontained within the rim suspends the containment system walls and floormaterial beneath. Each air chamber can have one or more inflation valvesfor inflation of the rim and one or more air-release valves or purgevalves for deflation of the rim. The valves could be manually operatedor automatically operated through electronic, pneumatic or hydraulicallyactuated operation. This automatic operation could be through wired orwireless systems.

FIG. 1 is a three dimensional drawing showing an example of thecontainment system in use, containing a floating target in water. Thetarget contained in the system here is shown an example vessel, 130. Inthis example, the contained water, 110 is segregated from the wateroutside of the system, 120, here, the open water of a lake or ocean, sothe vessel can be maintained and any pollution contained within thesystem. The containment system could be made of a number of materials tokeep the pollutant materials and segregated water separate and apartfrom the outside environment. Certain embodiments of the system could bemade of materials that are collapsible and able to be folded, rolled, orcompressed for transport and/or storage.

Embodiments with a Buoyant Rim

Looking now at the containment system's air-chambered rim 140, theexample in FIG. 1 shows the individual chambers 144 connected with asection of wall material 142 in-between air chambers 144. The airchambers could be integrated inside of the housing of the rim 140, orcould create actual segments, with discernible end of a chamber as well,as shown in FIG. 1. The number and arrangement of chambers can varydepending on the deployment of the system. The orientation of thechambers could likewise take a vertical, horizontal, nested, honeycomb,or any kind of shape.

Here, in this example, the air chambers 144 which make up the rim 140are inflated through inflation valves 146 and deflated through purge orrelease valves 148. The example inflation 146 and deflation valves 148are depicted at the ends of the respective rim sections 144. Thesevalves could be placed on any number of sections of the rim in order tocontrol the inflation and deflation of the sections. Further, thesection could contain one or any number of these valves. Some exampleembodiments may use rim sections 144 with no valves at all, in instanceswhere that section of the containment system is not designed to ever besubmerged. In such instances, the rim section 144 could include foam orsome other material that is not inflatable and deflatable.

The buoyant rim 140 could be made of any number of materials, such as aplastic or rubber material that is able to hold air inside and staybuoyant. This includes the buoyant rim 140 which may or may not haveinherent buoyant tendencies of its own, separate and apart from theinflation capabilities. This depends on the material the rim may be madeof. Such rim material could also be a closed cell or open celled foammaterial that does not need inflating, depending on the portion of therim. The ability to deflate and inflate portions or all of the rim 140is useful in the deployment of the system as disclosed below, but otheralternative embodiments could include permanently buoyant materials aswell, either alone or in combination.

For example, a rubber material may be included in the inflatable rim,which may be inherently buoyant even when not inflated. But suchmaterial may be bulky and in certain example embodiments, collapsibilitymay be important, so a material which is not inherently buoyant in andof itself but able to be inflated, may comprise the rim. In such case,the rim and the walls and floor of the system could be made of the samematerial. This material may be different thicknesses, or the samethickness, it may include different laminates or coatings, or the same.

The rim 140 segments 144 could include any number of partitions. Inorder to deploy the system, as described below, the rim 140 could bemade of separate portions 144 or contain interior walls for segregationof chambers with the rim or within portions of the rim. In this way, asdescribed below, different portions of the rim 140 could be deflated andinflated in order to sink or raise that portion of the system. If therim is made of large portions, then the large sections are sunk orfloated. If the rim is divided into more portions, the system could sinkor float smaller portions of the rim.

In example arrangements where the rim 140 portions 144 are inflatable,such inflation could be with any number of gasses or fluids. One suchexample could use ambient air, which has a density less than the fluidthat the target is floating in, pumped through an air pump, through aninflation valve 146 on the rim 140. Deflation could be through a releasevalve 148, also on the rim. Alternatively, the inflation anddeflation/release valve could be the same valve, arranged to allow bothinflation and deflation.

Another example could include inflation of the rim with another gas orfluid with a density less than the fluid which the target is floatingin, and that gas or fluid is pumped back and forth inside of thechambers of the rim 140. In this way, in this example, no fluid or gasis ever completely expelled from the system, but rather routed to otherportions of the rim 140 in order to complete the inflation anddeflation, thereby floating and sinking those respective portions.Further, such an example could use outrigger bags or collapsiblecomponents that could expand and fill with gas or fluid as it is pumpedout of one chamber and into another chamber.

The buoyant rim 140 can also act to hold the shape and form of thesystem both on the surface of the fluid and submerged in the fluid.Increasing the amount of water within the containment system couldexpand the rim of containment system to its size and shape and push thecontainment system walls and floor down and outward, by increasing thevolume of fluid in the system, and thereby pressure on the walls andfloor. On the surface, the buoyant rim can hold its shape around thefloating target. In FIG. 1, the example rim 140 holds a rectangularshape with rounded corners. This shape could be any number of shapesdepending on the shape and dimensions of the target to be surrounded,and the environment in which to deploy the system. Round shapes,triangular shapes, square shapes, oval shapes, could all be used, alongwith any number of others. The system could also include detachable andre-attachable sections 144 to customize the shape when needed.

Embodiments with a System Cover

Additionally, certain embodiments could include variants where the rimincludes structures that support an overarching cover for the system(not pictured). For example, rigid ribs could arch over the system, fromside to side, to cover and protect the interior of the system, and be ofany height to accommodate a target within the system as well as peopleand/or equipment to work in, on, or around the target. One or both endsof the cover could be enclosed, making a garage type structure for thetarget. Other embodiments contemplate an inflatable cover that coulddraw its rigidity from inflatable ribs or the entire cover could beinflatable. The cover could also include an accordion-like foldablestructure that could be stretched to cover the target, and removablyfixed to the rim in a number of ways.

The embodiments that contemplate rigid ribs could be secured to opposingsides of the system at the rim, and could support a number of materialsto be used to block sun, precipitation, or shield the system from winds.Such a cover could allow for people to maintain or work on the targetvessel under better environmental conditions.

The cover could be completely enclosed instead of being open at one endor another. Such an example embodiment could create a completelyenclosed top, over the buoyant rim structure, to entrap any materialinside of the enclosed cover. Such a system could serve as a hazardousmaterial containment system for example, as a paint booth or a sandingstation, allowing for work inside of the cover, and particulate matterto be enclosed from below the target in the water as well as above thetarget in the air. Any number of vents could be included in the topcover as well, which could be used to keep contaminants contained. Thesemay be used to keep particulate matter inside of the enclosed cover aswell as to pump fresh uncontaminated air into the enclosed system.

The rim 140 could also include a ballast in order to aid in sinkingportions of the containment system during deployment. Such a ballastcould be offset by the inflation of the rim, so that when inflated, therim floated, but when deflated, that portion of the rim would sink. Theballast could be modified or tailored to the fluid in which it was to bedeployed, including salinity and fluid density considerations.

Embodiments with a Submerged Walls and Floor

Working together, the inflated rim 140, containment system walls 160 andfloor 170 separate contained water 110 from the surrounding outsidewater 120 on both the surface, and subsurface. Alternatively, (notpictured) the containment system walls 160 and floor 170 could beintegrated into one unit, without discernible and separate floors andwalls, but rather a hemispherical shape, or other inverted dome-likeshape or any other kind of integrated shape. Any type of rounded shapecould be used in such a system, to accommodate the target inside thesystem, or to accommodate the surrounding environments.

The containment system material spanning beneath the rim 140, making upthe walls 160 and floors 170, could be used to surround the vessel orpollution source beneath the surface of the fluid and is suspended bythe rim's 140 buoyancy. The material for this underlying span includingthe walls 160, and floor 170, if applicable, could be made of any numberof materials, depending on the deployment of the system. If the systemis to be deployed to segregate some kind of pollutant from the outsidematerial, then the material used in the walls 160 and floor 170 of thesystem should be able to withstand, to some degree, the movement of suchmaterial. That is, for example, if the containment system is beingdeployed to contain oil leaking from a vessel, then the material used inthe system should be able to keep the oil from soaking through thematerial and ending up outside of the system. If the system is beingdeployed to contain large particulate material, such as paint chipsbeing cleaned from the vessel, then the material should be such that itdoes not allow such paint chips from floating or falling through to theoutside environment. Thus, the material could be any number ofmaterials, depending on the deployment of the system.

Some examples of material that the system walls and floor could be madeof include, laminated woven fabrics made of high tensile materials,KEVLAR, polymers, plastics, carbon, cotton or other material. In certainembodiments, the materials could be coated in order to reduce rot, towithstand different salinities, to resist algae and barnacle growth, tohold its shape in a current, or flow with the fluid to avoid tearing andripping. In certain embodiments, the material could be laminatedmaterial, with different laminates made of different materials. Incertain embodiments, the material could contain multiple layers toprotect against different things, or to allow some materials to passthrough, and others to remain contained. For example, the material maybe water permeable, but still retain oil. In certain embodiments, thematerial could be woven and impregnated with plastics or resins in orderto protect against certain things or allow for the movement of certainsize of materials, but not others. In certain embodiments, the materialcould be stiff and resist deflection caused by outside forces. In otherembodiments, the material could be soft and flexible.

The walls and/or floor of the system could include any number of vents(not pictured). In this way, the vents could open to the outsideenvironment and allow the entire system to be picked up, the water todrain out of the bottom or sides, and not have to tip the entire systemin order to let the water escape. Certain example vents could be usedwhen picking up the system, out of the water, or when moving the systemfrom place to place. For example, a boat crane could be used to secureunder the system and lift it out of the water for maintenance, cleaning,moving, or any number of things. Such vents would allow for easierremoval of water, when the boat crane secures the system fromunderneath, and picks it up, allowing for drainage of the system, andremoval of the water or fluid weight.

Looking now at the containment system further, any number of anchorpoints 150 could be found through the containment system. These anchorpoints 150 could be located on the rim, on the walls, on the floor, orany and all combinations of these. The anchor points 150 could be anykind of eye, loop, cleat, tie down, hook, latch, or any other kind ofapparatus. These anchor points could be used to attach ballast or weightto certain portions of the containment system. This ballast could helpthe system sink portions of the rim, as disclosed later, could be usedto tether sections to outside elements such as a dock, a buoy, anothersystem or any other kind of device. Such anchor points 140 could also bein the form of a handle or step. Such a formation could help diversnavigate the system. Such anchor points 140 could also be located insideor outside of the system (not pictured).

FIG. 2 shows a detail of an example inflatable rim 240 portion. The rim240 may also include a shield, guard, or wall to protect from waves,splashes, wind or anything else. Such a shield could be a verticallyarranged plastic wall or a series of plastic fingers that could blockincoming or outgoing waves. The height of such a shield could vary froma few inches to a number of feet, depending on the deployment and thepollution to be contained. Further, such a shield could be removed oradded to only certain portions of the rim as needed. For instance, ifwaves are coming only from the starboard side of the system, inreference to the contained vessel, for example, a shield system could beattached to that side of the system, to shield the waves from breakingor spilling into the containment system. As modular units, the shieldscould include different materials, different structures, or shapes.

Further, the shield itself could be inflatable. This would allow for theinflation of the shield when needed, and removal when not needed. Thisinflatable shield could be connected to or part of the buoyant rim 240.In this way, the shield could be put up or taken down without having tomanually install anything, or add any parts. It could just be inflatedwhen needed and deflated when not needed. The inflatable splash guardsor shield could be any number of shapes including, but not limited to anarrow wall or a round portion, resembling the buoyant rim itself.

Also shown in the example of FIG. 2 are a detail of the inflation valves246 and deflation valves 248. Also shown is a portion of the wallmaterial 242 in between two segments of the rim 240. Also depicted is anexample modular shield 290 which extends up above the waterline and canbe moved to any portion of the rim 240.

The portion or portions of the rim which include the segments betweenrim segments, such as portion 242 could be made of and include anynumber of things. Some examples include a rigid brace that holds the rimportions together. Other examples include a hinge or hinges that allowfor movement between rim portions.

Air can be released form the rim 240 air chambers through deflationvalves 248. These deflation valves can be operated manually orautomatically. They could be servo electric motors or pneumaticallyoperated. The valves could be operated in any way, in order to open andshut and deflate when requested.

Embodiments with a Non-Inflatable Buoyant Rim

Also shown in FIG. 2 is a non-inflatable rim portion embodiment, 250. Asthe embodiments disclosed herein include arrangements of bothinflatable/deflatable rims, and those that are buoyant but are notinflatable/deflatable. Such rim or rim segments, even though notinflatable, may still be lowered, in order to move targets in and out ofcontainment. Such embodiments may use rim or rim segments that mayrequire weighting in order to sink the rim or sections/segments that arebuoyant.

Such non-inflatable embodiments would therefore not need aninflation/deflation valve(s). Further, embodiments may mix and matchsegments of rim with inflatable portions and non-inflatable portions,depending on the application.

As an example of a non-inflatable embodiment, a rim or rim segment couldbe made of closed cell foam. Such a rim or rim segment may need to besunk via an attachable weight, or a sliding weight, that wouldcounteract the inherent buoyancy of the rim or rim segment. Such anexample weight 252 is shown in FIG. 2, which could be slid to certainportions of the rim to increase the weight on that section, and may, ifcoupled with other weights, be enough to sink that portion of the rim.Other various weights could be clipped, clamped, tied to or affixed inany way to a rim or rim segment to sink that portion or the entire rim.These could be attached with or without some kind of ring, eye, hook andloop, tie, etc. These weights could also be used ininflatable/deflatable embodiments, but are included here as exemplaronly.

Other example embodiments may include weights that could include pulley254 weight 256 assemblies. Such example embodiments could include apulley 254 or simply a ring or eyelet that a weight tether is tied to.When the weight 256 is fully extended on the tether, it may rest on thebottom or a sunken platform, etc. and not exert force on the rim orsystem. But when the tether is shortened, or pulled, as shown by thearrows 258 in FIG. 2, the weight may lift off the bottom, or platformand exert its weight force on the rim or rim segment. In such a way,that portion of the rim, or the entire rim could be sunk.

Other examples of non-inflatable rim or rim segments could include anykind of metal pipe, open celled foam, solid plastic, hollow plasticwithout inflation/deflation valves, or even logs of wood. Metal couldinclude steel, iron, copper, brass, aluminum, or any other kind ofmetal.

Target Containment

The system may be used to surround a target in numerous ways. In FIG. 3,a portion of the rim is sunk and the target moved into the system. Thus,FIG. 3 shows an example of the containment system and a vessel 330entering the containment system. This action is shown by arrow 332showing the vessel 330 moving in a forward motion, with the containmentsystem 300 stationary. Alternatively, the containment system 300 couldbe dragged into position, while the vessel 330 is stationary (nowshown). In any case, the method shown in this example, used to surroundthe vessel 330 with the containment system 300 is accomplished, forexample, by lowering a portion of the rim 342 by submerging it beneaththe water surface. Any number of portions of the containment system rimmay be lowered beneath the water's surface by deflating one or more ofthe rim's air chambers, depending on the size and shape of the target.

As shown for example in FIG. 3, a portion of the rim is submerged lowenough to clear the draft, or lowest submerged part of the vessel, 330,or target to be contained. This is done here, for example, by deflatinga portion of the rim 340, and allowing a ballast (not shown) to pulldown and sink the deflated rim sections. This action is shown by arrows312 showing the portion of the rim moving up and down in the water. Thisdeflation could include any number of techniques but FIG. 3 shows anexample where submerging and sinking the rim is done via deflationvalves. This deflation is shown in FIG. 3 by the lowered rim section 342and the lowered containment system walls 344.

Once the rim is down, 342, the target to be contained, here a vessel330, is able to move into the containment system from water outside 320.Any combination of movements between the system and the target to becontained is possible, depending on the constraints of any connectedpumps, environment, anchors, lines, etc. (not shown). Once a vessel 330or target has entered the containment system, re-inflating the loweredrim segments 342 raises that submerged portion back to the surface andacts to contain the vessel and the water it is floating in, both at thesurface, and beneath. This may be done using any number of techniquesbut this example shows the rim inflated via inflation valves. After therim 340 is completely back to the surface, this would complete thesegregation process, keeping the outside water 320, outside of thecontainment system 300 and the contained water (not shown) inside of thesystem.

FIG. 4 shows an example view of the containment system with one endlowered and submerged. In this example, the target is a vessel 430 thatis within the containment system with the rim 440 at one end submergedand lowered in order to clear the draft of the vessel 430. This actionis shown by an arrow 412 showing the movement of the portion of the rimup and down in the water. This can be done a number of ways, but in thisexample, the submerging and sinking of the rim is done via purge ordeflation valves 448. These purge valves can be operated manually, byremote or wired control with servo motors or any kind of electrically orpneumatically operated valve mechanism. And here, in this example, onlyone end of the rim 440 is deflated, and therefore only that end of thecontainment system walls and floor material 460 drops below thesubmerged rim 440, allowing the water outside of the containment system420, to mix with the water that surrounds the target or vessel 430. Thedropping of certain parts of the rim 440 can be aided by the use ofanchor points 450 which can be used to affix ballast in order to aid insinking portions of the containment system. These anchor points could beeyes, cleats, buckles, or any form of device that can receive or affix aweight mechanism, as disclosed here.

By then raising the rim 440 to the surface, as shown by arrows 412, thewater inside of the containment system can then be segregated from theoutside water 420. This can be accomplished, in this example, byinflating the rim 440 via inflation valves 446 from some kind of pump(not shown). This segregation can keep any leaks, spills, or materialscoming from the vessel 430 as the source, from mixing with thesurrounding water 420.

FIG. 5 shows an example view of the containment system being put intoplace from beneath a floating vessel 530. This is to show an examplemethod of containment, different than that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, wherea portion of the rim 540 is lowered, and other portions are not. In thisexample, the rim 540 and underlying containment system walls and floormaterial 560 contain are completely submerged and positioned beneath thevessel 530 or target for containment. The containment system issubmerged through the use of deflation valves 548 that allow for air toescape the buoyant rim 540. In this example, all of the rim portions aredeflated in order to submerge the entire system. Other embodimentscontemplate any combination of inflated and deflated rim sections 544 inorder to submerge portions or all of the system as described here.Coupled with optional ballast, which may be attached to any anchorpoints 550 on the rim 540 or walls or floor 560 of the system, to helpsink the containment system and allow it to submerge. These anchorpoints 550 could be a cleat or eye or ring or any kind of point that maybe used to tie or affix any kind of ballast or weight in order to aid insinking the entire containment system. By regulating which sections 544of the rim are deflated in what order, or at the same time, thecontainment system can be submerged at once or in sections. In thisexample drawing, the rim 540 segments 544 are all aligned, after thecontainment system is submerged.

And once submerged, as shown in the example of FIG. 5, the system can bepositioned into place, either by moving the containment system or bymoving the target or vessel 530 targeted for containment, or they bothcould move. Moving the containment system can be done manually, bydivers pulling it into place, or by boat or watercraft pulling it intoplace. Further, in certain embodiments, the containment system issubmerged and the target or vessel 530 is positioned above the submergedsystem. Also, the system can be positioned completely or partiallybeneath a vessel or pollution source, depending on the target andenvironment.

Again, a series of one or more buoys could be used to control the depthof the submerged system when deflated, movement of it into place andguide the ascent of the system upon inflation, around the target. Thesebuoys could be placed in any number of portions of the rim to controlthe movement of the system, and could include any number of tethers,including but not limited to rope, line, elastic, pulley, etc.

Then, in certain embodiments, the inflatable rim 540 can be inflated viapumps (not pictured) through inflation valves 546 on the rim sections544. This inflation then creates buoyancy in the rim 540 which floats upand surrounds the vessel 530. This action is shown by arrows 512. Oncethe rim is inflated and surfaced, the water outside of the containmentsystem 520 is segregated from the water inside. Thus, any pollutants orrunoff from the vessel 530, in this example, is kept from mixing withthe outside water, 520.

FIG. 6 shows an example embodiment of an outside side view fromalongside the containment system, according to some embodiments. Thisexample figure shows a vessel 630 inside the containment system buoyantrim 640 and containment system material walls and floor 660 beneath. Inthis example, the sections of the rim 644 are all floating on thesurface of the water. In such a configuration, the vessel 630 iscontained and segregated from the outside water 620. Thus, the rim 640is floating on top of the water in such a way that no pollution ormaterial coming from the vessel 630 is able to spill into the body ofwater 620 on the surface, because of the rim 640, but also underneaththe surface, because of the walls and floor of the system 660.

Certain embodiments of the system can include anchor points 650 whichmay be located anywhere on the containment system walls or floor 660 orrim 640. These anchor points can be used to position both the targetvessel 630 and the containment system itself, both the rim 640 and thewalls and floor 660. Ballast may also be attached to anchor points 650to hold it in place, move it, stabilize it, submerge portions or all ofit, etc.

FIG. 7 is an outside view from the end of the containment system showingvessel 730 inside the containment system's buoyant rim 740 andcontainment system material 760 beneath. Anchor points 750 are foundthroughout the containment system for use in positioning both vessel 730and the containment system itself. Ballast may also be attached toanchor points 750. FIG. 7 shows what the system could look like, whenthe target vessel 730 is contained in the system and the outside water720 is kept out of the containment system. Thus, anything coming from orfalling off of the vessel 730 is contained.

Other example embodiments of containing the target include a method ofsurrounding the target with the buoyant rim and underlying floor, andthen pumping the water out of the system in order to collapse the wallsand floor on the body of the target. In such a way, the water pressurefrom outside of the system will push the walls and floor up to surroundand conform to the shape of the target. By doing so, the target couldmore easily be moved longer distances, more quickly, while containingthe target, including any fluids, flotsam and jetsam that may otherwisebe lost when attempting to move a target. In such a way, a wrecked boator airplane for example could be sealed from below, and transported bydragging by a tug or other vessel, to another location, while keepingall parts of the target contained.

Containing the Pollutants and Filtering

Once the target is contained within the containment system, thesegregation aspect is complete. That is, the water from outside of thesystem and the inside of the system are separated, both at the surface,and also below the surface. In this condition, certain embodiments allowfor divers to conduct maintenance work on the target, to conduct repairwork or build work on the target, or simply to contain an activepollution source. Automatic scrubbers could be used as well as robots orremote cleaning devices, etc. Actively polluting targets could becontained as well as potential polluters. Certain embodiments can thenallow for the water within the containment system to be extracted andcleaned. This can be done by any number of pumping and filtrationsystems either integrated within the system, or separate and apart fromthe system, depending on the arrangement. The containment system couldbe coupled with any number of commercially available filtration systems,above and beyond what is disclosed here. And once removed, thecontaminated material may be treated and the pollutants separated.

FIG. 8 shows an example embodiment of the containment system and afloating vessel 830, in the containment system from the side, cut away,view. This view shows the inside of the system, including how the rim840 keeps the outside water 820 separate from the inside water 810 atthe surface. Below the waterline, the walls and floor of the examplesystem 860 are shown in place, keeping the water segregated under thesurface. Thus, the containment system is in place and segregating thevessel 830 here.

Further, FIG. 8 shows an example of how the water can be extracted andfiltered from the inside of the containment system. In this example,multiple intake sleeves 852 are grounded on the floor 860 of thecontainment system. They raise up and out of the system, providing aconduit for the contaminated water to be pumped out of the system.Inside the example sleeves 852 are intake hoses 856 which can, via apump system (not shown) draw water from the inside of the containmentsystem, through filtered or screened inlets 854. These integratedintakes 854 can be screened to collect larger particulate and protectthe pumps or keep large matter out of the filters if they are present.The water can then be removed and filtered or cleaned in any waydesired, as described below.

The example removal system in FIG. 8 shows the sleeves and hoses runningup and out of the system but anchored to the floor of the system. Thisarrangement could be any kind of arrangement, with hoses and sleevesattached to the walls, or running along the floor of the system.Further, the removal system could include sleeves and hoses that are notattached to the floor or walls of the system but are detached andmovable. Such a system may include weighted ends of the hoses andsleeves, to drop them to the floor of the system, and allow the waterand pollutants to be pumped out. Additionally, the positioning andnumber of the screened intake holes 854, could be arranged in any manneron the hoses and sleeves. They could be arranged at only the bottom ofthe hoses and sleeves, or along the length of the sleeves and hoses.

Filtration systems completely unattached may also be used with thecontainment system design. Filtered water may be either returned intothe containment system, creating a closed circuit filtration system orwater may also be discharged outside of the containment system afterfiltration. When filtered water from the containment system is releasedback into the surrounding water or elsewhere, an equal flow of waterinto the containment system is necessary in order to maintain a desiredvolume of water within the containment system.

FIG. 9a shows an example embodiment of the containment system with afloating vessel contained. Thus, in this example, a floating vessel 930is contained inside the system including the buoyant rim 940 andcontainment system walls and floor material (not pictured). Thiscontainment system thus keeps the pollution in the system and segregatesthe target and its pollution from the outside water 920. This exampleembodiment has an off-board pump and filtration system in order to treatand clean the contained water 910. In this way, the off-board pump andfiltration system can be located on a dock, for example (not pictured),or on the land, or a barge, or any number of other off-board locations.

In the example pictured in FIG. 9a , the rim 940 can be inflated withair, for example, through inflation valves 946. This creates a buoyantrim that floats on the surface of the water to stop pollutants fromfloating away, but also keeps outside flotsam and jetsam out of thecontainment system. This buoyant rim 940 is broken into segments, 944,in this example. This compartmentalization can allow for segments of therim to be deflated and dropped below the water line for any number ofreasons. This can be accomplished by releasing air from the rim 940 withthe use of deflation valves 948.

Further, in FIG. 9a , the example containment system includes any numberof anchor points 950 located throughout the containment system. Theseanchor points can be used for positioning both the vessel andcontainment system. Also, the anchor points 950 may be used to attachballast, weights, or drift nets in order to keep the system in place, oraid in the lowering of segments of the rim 944, in conjunction with thedeflation of the rim segment. Further, anchor points could be used totether the system to any kind of outside element such as but not limitedto a dock, another vessel, the land, a buoy, another containment system,etc.

In FIG. 9a , the filtration system includes integrated intake sleeves952, intake screens 954 and intake hoses 956 that can allow the water tobe pumped up and out of the system by external pumps 962 and throughexternal filters 960. Similar to FIG. 8, these sleeves and hoses may beanchored to the floor of the system and run up and out as a conduit forpumping contaminated water. Once out of the system the water can be runthrough any kind of filter 960. In the depicted example, there are twofilters operated by a single pump. Any combination and number of filtersand pumps can be used, the configuration of them in FIG. 9a is not to belimiting.

Once filtered, the water could be returned to the containment system, orpumped overboard to the external water body, or any other kind ofstorage. Further, in certain embodiments, the water is not filtered, butmerely pumped out of the system.

In this example, shown in FIG. 9a , two options of water disposal areshown in use at once. Here, after the pump 962, filtered water may bereturned into the containment system through a water return 964 ordirected outside of the containment system using a filtered water outhose 966. These options could be used as alternatives, returning thewater to the system, or pumped out, or they could be used in unison.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9a , the example system has water beingremoved from the containment system. Thus, the containment system, inthis example, is losing water and the walls of the system may begin tocollapse against the vessel, when in use. Therefore, in this example, awater input system may be used to keep the volume of the water inside ofthe system relatively constant in order to keep the walls of the systemaway from the vessel hull. Here, water may be introduced into thecontainment system with a water input 970 and regulated with a waterinput valve 972.

FIG. 9b shows an alternate embodiment example cross sectional viewspanning the width of the containment system. This diagram shows thecontainment system design outfitted with an integrated filtration intakesystem while filtration and water propulsion of the filtering system areshown off-board. Thus, instead of the intake sleeves and hoses shownattached to the bottom of the floor of the system, the intake is donethrough spaces in the walls and floor of the system itself. Thus, inFIG. 9b , there are no hoses running through the middle of the system,but all of the removal is done via the walls and floor 960.

Thus, in FIG. 9b , segregated and contained water 910 and a floatingvessel 930 are contained within the buoyant rim 940 and containmentsystem material 960 beneath.

In FIG. 9b , the example includes a filtration sleeve system 952integrating the filtration intake screens 954 and intake hoses 952within the containment system walls and floor 960. Thus, intake hoses952 embedded in the walls of the system can bring contained water 910 tothe filters 960 and pumps 962, which are shown separate, and off-boardfrom the containment system rim 940. And just as in the exampleembodiment of FIG. 9a , a filtered water return 980 connects to thepumps 962 and returns filtered water to contained water 910. Thefiltered water may also be deposited outside of the containment systemusing a filtered water output 982 shown after each pump. Surroundingwater 920 is shown separate form contained water 910.

To maintain the water volume within the walls of the system, as shown inFIG. 9b , water may be introduced into the containment system with useof a water input 970 which is regulated with the use of a water intakevalve 972. Inside contained water 910, a diver (not shown) is able toperform hull cleaning, repair, zinc replacement or any kind ofmaintenance on vessel 930.

FIG. 9c is a cross sectional view of another alternate embodiment ofFIGS. 9a and 9b spanning the width of the containment system of anotheralternate embodiment. In this example, the containment system walls andfloor 960 do not contain the integrated intake hoses or the inletfilters. Instead, in this example embodiment, the walls are only thethickness of the material. The containment system is shown with aseparate or unattached filtration system showing contained water 910 anda vessel 930 within the buoyant rim 940 and containment system material960 beneath. Inflation valves 946 and deflation valves 948 allow thebuoyant rim 940 to be inflated and deflated. Anchor points 950 are foundthroughout the containment system for use in positioning both vessel 930and the containment system itself. Ballast (not shown) may also beattached to anchor points 950. Separate from the containment systemitself is the filtration system. Separate intake hoses 952, notintegrated into the walls of the containment system bring containedwater 910 to the filters 960 and pumps 962, which could be mountedanywhere including atop the containment system rim 940. A filtered waterreturn 980 connects to the pumps 962 and returns filtered water tocontained water 910. Filtered water may also be deposited outside of thecontainment system using a filtered water output 982 shown after eachpump. Surrounding water 920 is shown separate form contained water 910.Water may be introduced into the containment system with use of a waterinput 970 which is regulated with the use of a water intake valve 972.Inside contained water 910, a diver (not shown) is able to perform hullcleaning, repair, zinc replacement or any kind of maintenance on vessel930.

FIG. 10a shows an example alternate view of the containment system inwhich the pumps and filters are integrated with the rim. Attachingfilters and pumps on the containment system itself, and within its wallsmay be desired to further reduce the risk of an outside spill ofcontaminants. Thus, the entire system in FIG. 10a is self-contained andlimits contamination spread.

For example, in FIG. 10a , the contained water 1010 and a vessel 1030are segregated inside the buoyant rim 1040 of the containment system.The rim 1040 is inflated with air through inflation valves 1046, in thisexample.

Anchor points 1050 may be found throughout the containment system foruse in positioning both vessel 1030 and the containment system. Theseanchor points could be any number of eyes, loops, cleats, or any otherkind of tie down or system to attach or affix a line, a rope, a weight,or anything else. Ballast weights on the anchor points can help submergeportions or all of the containment system when so desired.

In this example, a filtration sleeve 1052 is integrated with thecontainment system walls and floor. The sleeve 1052 runs from the floorof the system, over to the rim 1040 and then up, on top of the rim 1040.Intake screens 1054 and intake hoses 1056 in this example, arepositioned to bring water that is contained in the system, up and out ofthe system to filters 1060 via any kind of various pump or pumps 1062.In this way, the water which surrounds the vessel, 1030, which maycontain pollutants and material which is desired to be kept from theoutside water, 1020, segregated and then treated.

The arrangement of the sleeve, 1052, the intake hoses 1056 could beplaced anywhere in the containment system. In FIG. 10a there are two ofthem affixed to the center floor of the system. But any arrangement ofintake could be used, such as a series of intakes crisscrossing thewalls or floor of the system. Further, in some examples, there could bejust one intake system. Other examples incorporate more than one intakesystem, which can be used to remove water from the system.

Additionally, the filters 1060 could be any kind of filter used toremove any kind of undesirable pollutant or material from the watersurrounding the target or vessel 1030. For example, a filter could beused to remove heavy metals, or oil, or particulate matter of any kind.Then, in this example, the water runs through the pumps 1062, and may bedirected back into the containment system via any kind of filtered waterreturn 1068 or filtered water may be deposited outside of thecontainment system, back to mix with outside water 1020, using afiltered water out line 1066, for example.

When water is removed, such as the example in FIG. 10a where thefiltered water is pumped out of the system and back to the outside water1020 via water out lines 1066, the inside of the containment systemwould begin to deplete the water used to float the vessel 1030. Becauseof this, and possibly in order to avoid the walls and floor of thecontainment system from touching the vessel, or to keep a particulardistance between the vessel hull and the walls of the system, more watercould be introduced. In this example, a water input 1070 source bringswater into the containment system and can be regulated through waterintake valve 1072. In this way, the inside of the contained system couldbe kept at a particular volume. Alternatively, the system could becompletely pumped out and no water introduced to offset the removedwater. In such a case, the floors and walls of the system may collapsearound the vessel or target as the water pressure from outside of thesystem increases, relative to the pressure of the water inside thesystem. The behavior of such a collapse of the system would be dictatedin part by the material that the walls and floor are made of as well asthe conditions outside of the system.

In the example of FIG. 10a , the filters 1060 and pumps 1062 are allintegrated into the system, meaning that they are affixed to the rim1040 of the containment system itself. This could be permanently affixedor removably affixed, depending on the parameters of the system. If thefilters 1060 and pumps 1062 are removably affixed, they could beattached after the containment system is completely in place, and therim 1040 floated to the surface. These filters 1060 and pumps 1062 couldbe any number of shapes or sizes, allowing for them to be integrated onthe rim 1040 of the system. They could be powered in any way, such aselectrically plugging into an outside source. Further, in one example,solar panels are affixed to the pumps or filters, or to the vessel 1030and used to power the pumps.

FIG. 10b is cross sectional view of FIG. 10a spanning the width of thecontainment system, showing the containment system design with a fullyintegrated filtration system. Unlike FIG. 10a , where the intake sleevesand hoses are separate and attached to the floor of the system at oneend, here the walls of the system itself 1060 contain chambers that actas intake hoses 1056. Contained water 1010 and a vessel 1030 are withinthe buoyant rim 1040 and containment system material 1060 beneath.Inflation valves 1046 and deflation valves 1048 allow the buoyant rim1040 to be inflated and deflated. Anchor points 1050 are foundthroughout the containment system for use in positioning both vessel1030 and the containment system itself. Ballast (not shown) may also beattached to anchor points 1050. A filtration sleeve 1052 integrates thefiltration intake screens 1054 and intake hoses 1052 with containmentsystem walls and floor 1060. Intake hoses 1052 bring contained water1010 to the filters 1060 and pumps 1062, which are shown mounted atopthe containment system rim 1040. A filtered water return 1080 connectsto the pumps 1062 and returns filtered water to contained water 1010.Filtered water may also be deposited outside of the containment systemusing a filtered water output 1082 shown after each pump. Surroundingwater 1020 is shown separate form contained water 1010. Water may beintroduced into the containment system with use of a water input 1070which is regulated with the use of a water intake valve 1072. Insidecontained water 1010, a diver (not shown) is able to perform hullcleaning, repair, zinc replacement or any kind of maintenance on vessel1030.

Tethered Embodiments

FIGS. 11a and 11b depict an example embodiment where a series of buoysand/or floats are used to guide the raising and/or lowering of the rim.In this example, the rim section 1142 could be tethered to any kind ofbuoyant device such as a buoy 1160 or floats that work in conjunctionwith the optional rim section ballast. In such an example, the buoys1160 and/or floats could be tethered 1162 to the rim section 1142 thatis ballasted and ready for sinking. Upon deflation of that section ofthe rim, the ballast D could sink that end portion of the rim. Thesinking could be controlled by a tethered buoy, which could stop thefall of the rim edge at the length of the tether. FIG. 11a shows anexample with the rim section 1142 sunk and the buoy 1160 tether 1162holding the rim section 1142 in place under the water.

Then, upon inflation, that section of the rim could float up, slackingthe tether while the line may guide the rim section up toward the buoys.FIG. 11b depicts the system with the buoy 1160 behind the raised rimsection 1142. In this example position, the tether 1162 is retracted orslacked. Some examples could include an elastic tether, a pulley andtether or a tensioned tether, that could be weighted to allow the rimedge to drop when deflated and ballasted but be able to exert force onthe ascending and inflating rim edge to guide it back to where the buoysare located.

The buoy in FIGS. 11a and 11b are only exemplary to show how oneembodiment may be used to guide the raising and lowering of a rimsection. Any section of the rim may be positioned with help from thesebuoys, or the entire system could be sunk and guided using similarexamples. Also, any number of buoys and/or floats could be used in anycombination around the rim of the system. Another embodiment may havenon floatable but instead fixed items that the system is tethered to inorder to guide the raising and lowering of the rim edge, or system. Adock, for example, could be tethered to a rim section, and although notnecessarily floating, the dock could be used as a fixed point to stopthe lowering rim section.

Buoyant Filtration Embodiments

Certain embodiments here also include buoyant filtration systems thatmay be placed in a marine environment to capture material fromspreading. For example, such buoyant filtration systems may trapmaterial such as a pollutant emanating from a specific source, whileallowing other material to pass through, such as water. It should benoted that in this disclosure, the inventive aspects are not limited tocontaining pollutants in a body of water and the use of that example isnot meant to be limiting but merely illustrative. Additionally, the useof the term pollutant is meant to mean the material the filters aresupposed to capture, separate from the material that is meant to becleaned, such as oil pollutant from cleaned water, as an example.

One example embodiment of a buoyant filtration system is shown in FIG.12A. In this example, the Figure shows the system with a buoyant rim1212 floating in a body of water 1202 attached to a filtration system1210 suspended from the buoyant rim 1212. In use, the example system isafloat in a body of water 1202 for example, and placed so as to be ableto capture the target pollutant 1242. In this example, the system isplaced under a pollutant runoff source, here a running hose 1240 but thetarget pollutant source could be any kind of source. As the systemfloats on top of the water 1202, the pollutants from the hose 1242 inthe example, are collected in the filter 1220 and the water, if present,is allowed to pass into the water body 1222. In this way, the pollutantsmay be trapped in the filters but the system does not need to collectand hold all of the runoff, and the cleaned water is returned to thewater body.

The buoyant rim could be made of any number of materials that float inthe material in which it is to be used. For example, if the system is tobe used in a harbor setting, in water, the buoyant rim would need tofloat on the water. The rim could be made of any number of materialsincluding but not limited to, plastic that itself is inherently buoyant,inflatable plastic, solid core closed cell foam, or a combination of anyof these.

Additionally, the system example in FIG. 12A shows another filter system1216 on top of the rim 1212. This could be used to filter overflow 1244from the inside of the system 1220. Such a system could be used inconjunction with a submerged filter 1210, or separately by itself, or inany combination interchangeably, depending on many variables includingthe design of the system, the target pollutant, the source, the marineenvironment, etc. In the rim overflow example, the body of the system1214 fills up with both the pollutant and water, and when full, beginsto overflow the rim 1212. When this happens, the rim filters 1216 maycatch the pollutant and allow the water to flow over the rim and backinto the water body 1202. A combination of these filters could be usedto trap different materials such as those that float on water such asoil, in the rim filters 1216, and those that sink in water such asparticulate matter, in the submerged filters 1210.

FIG. 12B shows a top down view of the filter system from FIG. 12A. Here,the rim 1212 is shown with the filtration portion 1216 on its top, andthe overflow 1244, being filtered as it runs over the edge of the rim.

These rim filters could include any number of fibrous, mesh, plastic,magnetic, metal, or other kind of filter, that could be used to trap anynumber of liquid or particulate matter. The shape of the rim filterscould be a flat lying filter or an upright filter with fins, brush,tubes or any kind of upright wall of filtering material. The filters1216 could be embedded into the buoyant rim 1212 or could be detachablyfixed, allowing for replacement, cleaning or interchanging of filters.The detachment could be in portions, or as a whole, around the entirerim. The detachable filters could be adhered to the rim 1212 with anymanner of detachable systems including but not limited to magnetic,button, snap, hook and loop, threaded screw, slide-able, or any otherdetachable configuration.

The body of the filtration system 1214 could take any shape and includeany number of rigid or flexible shapes. The example shown is just onesuch example. The body 1214 could be a bag of flexible material madefrom plastic sheets or meshed or woven fabrics. The body 1214 could be arigid material made from metals, plastics, wood, carbon fiber, etc. Thebody of the system could be impermeable as to the target containedpollutant, but could, in certain example embodiments, allow for water orthe environmental material to permeate and enter the environment.

FIG. 13A shows an example embodiment where instead of locatingfiltration systems along the entire edge of the rim 1312, a funneledchannel or spout 1330 may be used to concentrate the overflow 1344 in aparticular region of the buoyant rim 1312. In such a way, the filter orfilters 1332, 1334, could be located in this funnel or spout, and directthe overflow instead of allowing overflow to spill over the entire rimarea 1312 as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B.

Thus, the example of FIG. 13A shows a pollutant source, in this case ahose or pipe 1340 discharging pollutant 1342 into the inside of thesystem 1320, as an example. Then, the spout or funnel 1330 located inone or more places on the buoyant rim 1312, directs the overflow 1344into one place where the filter 1332 or filters 1334 can filter theoverflow 1344.

It should be noted that the buoyant rim 1312 could have any kind ofwall, flange, brush or fingers that stand up from the rim edge 1312 andhelp contain splashed pollutant in or waves out of the system. Althoughnot pictured in FIGS. 13 A and 13B, these rim walls could take anymanner of shape and be detachably fixed to the rim 1312 to allow forcustomization, cleaning or replacement.

FIG. 13B shows a top down view of FIG. 13A.

Yet another example embodiment includes the use of pumps and filters asshown in FIG. 14A. In such a way, the system does not gravity feed itsown filters, but is aided by a separate filtration system and pump toremove the material and filter it.

In FIG. 14A's example, an embodiment shows a pollutant source 1440spilling pollutant 1442 into the body of the buoyant rim containmentsystem 1414. Here, there may or may not be a submerged filter 1410. Thisembodiment shows a separate filter 1450 outside of the system and a pump1452 pulling contaminated water out of the system 1414 through a hose orpipe 1454. Thus, in this example, the filtered water 1444 is pumped outof the system via active pumps 1452 through the filter or filters 1450,instead of gravity flow as in FIGS. 12 and 13. In certain embodiments,the example in FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B could be combined with the rimfilter of FIG. 12 or the rim funnel filter of FIG. 13 as a backup to thepumped and filtered embodiment of FIG. 14.

The filter 1450 could be one or more than one filter in one housing asshown or in numerous housings. Such filters could again be any number offilters used to remove unwanted materials from the water or material tobe returned to the environment. Such filters could be fiber, mesh, wire,magnetic or any manner of filter used to filter unwanted material.Further, the pump 1452 could be any kind of pump, placed anywhere on thesystem hose or pipe 1454. Such a pump could use an impeller, a piston,be a centrifugal pump, a booster pump, or any other kind of pump suitedfor the job.

In certain embodiments, the suspended filter could be used with orreplaced by or used in conjunction with a filtration system around therim of the buoyant rim system. Thus, the suspended filters could bebacked up by a filter system in case of overflow of the buoyant rimedge. Or, the buoyant rim could include an impermeable or semi-permeablesuspended portion, forcing the target pollutant material to overflowintentionally, and over and/or through the rim's filtration system.

The examples in FIGS. 12A and 12B are merely illustrative. The buoyantfilter system could take any shape and include many kinds of filters.For example, the filters could trap liquid pollutants such as oil,gasoline, wet paint, bilge water, among others. Additionally, thefilters could trap particulate matter such as paint chips, metalshavings, among others.

Example filters may include, but are not limited to, Mesh, Micron,Carbon, Dispersants, Distill, Evaporative, Reverse Osmosis, CeramicFilters, Mechanical Filtration, Granulated and Activated Charcoal,water/fuel separator, Chemical Dispersers, or any number of other kindof devices used to separate materials from one another.

Thus, the size and/or shape of the buoyant filtration system could be arange from a foot or few feet in diameter, for small pollutant sources,to many feet in diameter, which could be used to capture and filter muchlarger runoff, or runoff without a concentrated source. For example, aspattering, or splashing pollutant source, may require deployment of alarger filtration system than a small hose with a two inch diameterstream of pollutants. Thus, differently sized systems could be used fordifferent sized requirements. Additionally, the figures show acircularly shaped buoyant rim, but the system could include any shapedrim and system. The rim could be a long oval, a square, a rectangle, orany shape used to fit the needs of the capture and filter. Thus, forexample, an overflowing ledge may require a long trough of a systemshaped like a rectangle. Or, for example, physical constraints of theplacement of the system may require a particular shape to fit in betweena dock and a boat, or a buoy. Any number of shaped buoyant rims could beused in similar fashion to the examples shown in the figures.

As the systems described above, the buoyant filtration system could bepositioned and held in place using any number of ways including but notlimited to hooks, eyes, latches, cleats, and/or tie downs. The systemcould be anchored to the bottom, or tethered to a nearby buoy or dock.The buoyant filtration system could be deployed by placing it under thepollutant source and securing its position by line, rope, bungee, anchorline, or any number of ways.

The filtration system suspended from the buoyant rim, connected to anyof the vents or generally used on the rims or bag/wall/bodies couldinclude the use of any number of filters, used to filter out differentpollutants. Example pollutants to be removed from the system may includeany number of contaminants such as metals, paint, petroleum and/or oilproducts such as diesel fuel, gasoline, propane, and battery acid.Others may be contaminated sea life, as in barnacles, allege, sea-weed,sea plants and animals potentially latent with heavy metals and otherchemicals may be collected through the use of moving contained waterthrough different sized mesh and also collected in the bottom of thecontainment system where they could be kept from escaping and can becollected any number of ways such as bagged by divers, pumped throughmesh or scooped out by a back hoe etc.

For example, a suspended bag may have a meshed material for filteringout oil from water. As another example, a suspended rigid shape maycontain a mesh that catches particulate paint chips, but allows water topass. In these examples, the oil filter may be more dense than a loosermeshed paint chip filter. General purpose filters could be used forrapid deployment, or special purpose filters may be used for specificpollutants.

Other example embodiments include filtering hazardous waste storage,sewage in connections or water treatment plants/centers/stations etc.Certain embodiments could also be used with boat waste pump outstations, such as those for sewerage systems. Others includecontaminated water and or pollution can be collected through the use ofa sump, drawn, pumped, absorbed, removed, distilled, evaporated,relocated etc.

Sorbents may be used to collect petroleum products such as oil orgasoline or diesel, etc. Natural organic sorbents could be used such aspeat moss, straw, saw dust, feathers—readily available carbon products.Examples of natural inorganic sorbents may include clay, perlite, glasswool, and vercumlite. Synthetic Sorbent examples may include filterssuch as brushes, pads, diapers, sponges, etc. made from plastics,polyurethane, polyethane, and polypropylene. Certain examples includeoil absorbent materials that may be made from melt-blown,non-biodegradable polypropylene. Forms of the filters could be any kindincluding mesh, brush, foam, strip, pad, sponge, carbon media, fabric,cloth, etc.

Certain example filtrations could use different kind of mesh and/orMicron filters. Such filters may be used to collect paint. Paintparticulate matter may be removed though the use of different Micronfilters composed of carbon, or natural or synthetic materials. Furtherexample embodiments may include filter fabric configured to capturesilt, sediment and oil as it flows from any source. Such example filterfabric may effectively contain both silt and sediment. Further, certainexamples include spinning filters to remove particulates, screen, mesh,micron, brush, perforated material, fabric, permeable, semi-permeable,and non-permeable catchment.

Example embodiment removal could be through dispersants, temperaturecontrol, and/or freezing. Such removal could be for treatment,distillation, evaporation ponds, etc. through means of pumping, suction,pressure, man power, machine, robot, gravity flow when liftingcontainer, for example.

Certain example embodiments could use collection devices such asskimmers used to collect pollutants lighter than the material the targetis surrounded by. For example, an oil skimmer to skim floating oil onwater. Other example embodiments may include oleophilic skimmers,suction skimmers, Weir Skimmer, etc. These skimmers could be includedinto a filter housing, and skim off materials as the water flowsthrough, or they could operate independently, and be located in anynumber of areas such as the rim itself.

Certain example embodiments include the use of catch basins which may beused with or without filters. Such example catch basins could trap anynumber of things including but not limited to sediment, grease,bacteria, fungi, and any other material such as loose paint chips,organic material or others as described herein.

Example skimmers may include passive skimmers that are configured toabsorb oil by floating on the surface of the water, for example. In suchan example, once oil enters the water, the polymer in an absorbentforces oil to bond with the skimmer. Thus, in the example, after beingbonded to the skimmer, absorbed oil may not filter back out if morewater is added to the drain. For example, each passive skimmer mayabsorb any amount of oil.

Additionally, the system may adhere the filter directly to the buoyantrim, or allow for the removal of the filter from the buoyant rim. Insuch an example, the filter could be attached but be detachable to beable to switch filter types, or switch filters that are saturated orclogged. These filters could be attached to the buoyant rim throughvarious ways. Examples include snapping a filter section onto thebuoyant rim. Other examples may include a hook and loop attachment,zipper, buttons, magnetic, slide and pocket, or other attachments.

In certain embodiments, the buoyant rim could include any number ofwalls and/or skirts to protect from splashing in the buoyant rim, oroverflow from spilling over the sides of the rim, before it is filtered.

In some examples, the buoyant rim filtration system could be used inconjunction with the buoyant rim containment system described above. Insuch a way, certain runoff from the buoyant containment system could bechanneled through either separate or integrated buoyant filtrationsystems. Or filtration along the rim of the containment system could beused as a backup or redundant safety for accidental overflows, splashes,or spillage. For example, the runoff from being pumped from thecontained target, could be filtered first through a buoyant filtrationsystem before pumped overboard. Or, the system could include redundantbuoyant filtration systems in case of accidental overflow/runoff.

More Example Embodiments

In certain embodiments, the rim is not segmented, but is one continuousrim. In such examples, the entire rim system may have to tip one way oranother in order to be moved into position around a target, or to allowthe target access to the interior of the area surrounded by the rim.Such example embodiments may also utilize a hanging bag or walls/floorsystem as described in this disclosure to contain the target and/ormaterial.

Certain example embodiments could include a separate tarp/rim system. Insuch an example system, a buoyant rim could be draped with a tarp thatwould act as the integrated rim/bag system described above. Such aseparate system could utilize any number of rims or rim segments and atarp fitted to the application. Further, the tarp could include anynumber of shapes and be made of any number of materials as describedabove. In use, such a tarp/rim system could be used in situations wheretransporting or obtaining a rim system is not easy. In such cases, atarp for this purpose could more easily be transported. Then, on site,the rim could be assembled and the tarp draped over the rim, andattached to the rim covering the interior void or space encircled by therim. In such an example embodiment the tarp may be configured to hangbelow the rim and act as the containment bag as described above.

More Example Uses

Although this disclosure includes discussions of pollutants containedand/or filtered from spreading into bodies of water, the systems andmethods could be used in alternate ways as well. Some ways may includethe protection of the target or targets inside of the system, instead ofprotection of the water outside of the system. For instance, thereintroduction of wildlife back into a hazardous environment, may usethe system to protect an target such as an animal in the system, fromthe surrounding waters. Only when acclimated, would the system allow forthe animal to swim out into a larger containment system, or an open bodyof water. In such an example, water from outside of the system could bepumped in, in order to gradually acclimatize the wildlife to the newconditions.

Thus, in FIG. 15, instead of a ship contained in the system, wildlife1510 are shown, here dolphins as an example. Any kind of wildlife couldbe captured using the system, in any sized containment system, fromsmall fish or otters to large dolphins or whales. Injured or sickanimals could be contained by surrounding them with the system, such asthe one shown in FIG. 1 and shown again in FIG. 15, and then moved toanother location, while protected and enveloped in a water environment,as discussed above for other targets. Aquariums could use such a systemto quarantine sick animals, or to slowly introduce new animals into anaquarium or other body of water.

The system also allows for people to dive under and around the containedtarget in order to inspect, repair and maintain it. This can also allowfor the safety of such divers, against wildlife, so divers could work inthe system and not fear shark attacks, dolphin attacks, or fishdisturbance. Such a system would require a sturdy and durable material,such as KEVLAR or similar woven material, to resist such attacks.

The system may be used in a nested method where larger containmentsystems surround smaller ones. In such a deployment, added protectionmay be afforded to minimize the risk of spreading a particularly noxiouspollutant.

Systems could include the use of materials that are temperatureinsulated. In this way, the temperature of the contained water could bedifferent from the surrounding water. In a nested deployment, anincremental temperature gradient could keep the innermost containmentsystem toward one extreme, hot or cold, while stepping the gradienteither up or down back to the ambient water temperature. Such atemperature change may be useful for particular maintenance of ships,particular welding or underwater construction, or for the safety andcomfort of divers working within the system.

CONCLUSION

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, to therebyenable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention andvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of “including,but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number alsoinclude the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, thewords “herein,” “hereunder,” “above,” “below,” and words of similarimport refer to this application as a whole and not to any particularportions of this application. When the word “or” is used in reference toa list of two or more targets, that word covers all of the followinginterpretations of the word: any of the targets in the list, all of thetargets in the list and any combination of the targets in the list.

Although certain presently preferred implementations of the inventionhave been specifically described herein, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art to which the invention pertains that variations andmodifications of the various implementations shown and described hereinmay be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limitedonly to the extent required by the applicable rules of law.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, to therebyenable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention andvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. An inflatable pollution containment rim system,comprising: an inflatable rim, the inflatable rim configured in arectangular shape; a submersible sidewall mounted to a bottom of theinflatable rim, and a submersible floor connected to a bottom of thesubmersible sidewall, wherein the inflatable rim, submersible sidewall,and submersible floor are configured to form a container for containinga volume of polluted water, and wherein the inflatable rim, submersiblesidewall, and submersible floor are configured to separate the volume ofpolluted water from water surrounding an outside of the container;wherein the inflatable rim includes a plurality of inflatable ringsegments, each segment connected to each other by hinges; wherein eachinflatable rim segment includes its own inflation and deflation valves;a buoy attached to an inflatable rim segment of a shorter end of therectangular inflatable rim with a tether; ballast attached to theinflatable rim segment of the shorter end for sinking the inflatablesegment of the shorter end upon deflation of the inflatable segment ofthe shorter end; wherein a fall of the inflatable segment of the shorterend is stopped at a length of the tether upon deflation of theinflatable segment of the shorter end.
 2. The system of claim 1 furthercomprising a shield, extending upwardly from at least one of theplurality of inflatable rim segments.
 3. The system of claim 2 whereinthe shield is a vertically arranged plastic wall.
 4. The system of claim1 wherein the inflatable rim has rounded corners.
 5. The system of claim1 further comprising anchor points attached to the sidewall forattaching ballast to the sidewall.
 6. The system of claim 1 furthercomprising a pump, affixed to the inflatable rim, and a sleeveintegrated with the sidewall and floor, the sleeve containing an intakehose that is connected to the pump and that extends to the floor, and atleast one screen connected to the intake hose at the floor for screeningwater taken in by the intake hose.
 7. The system of claim 6 furthercomprising a filter affixed to the inflatable rim, the filter having aninlet connected to an outlet end of the intake hose and an outlet endconnected to an intake of the pump for filtering the water exiting theintake hose and entering the pump.